Cases for telescopic umbrellas

ABSTRACT

A SHEATH OR CASE FOR A FOLDABLE-FLAT, TELESCOPIC UMBRELLA TO FORM A FLAT, RECTANGULAR PACKAGE IN WHICH THE SHEATH INCLUDES COOPERATING MEANS ON THE UMBRELLA HANDLE AND CASE COMPRISING MAGNETICALLY ATTRACTIVE ELEMENTS, SNAP FASTENERS OR A CLIP ELEMENT, THE SHEATH INCLUDING A CLOSURE STRAP COOPERATING WITH A ZIPPER, OR THE SHEATH INCLUDING VARIOUS STRAP OR CLIP ATRANGEMENTS EXTENDING FROM ONE OR BOTH UPPER EDGES OF THE UMBRELLA SHEATH AND OVERLYING THE SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR STORED AND/OR THE SHEATH INCLUDING MEANS WHEREBY IT CAN BE STORED AND/OR CARRIED IN A FOLDED-OVER CONDITION TO OCCUPY A MINIMUM OR SPACE.

United States Patent Appl. No.

Inventors Fritz Brentlbey;

Heinz Seltel, Soliitgenmbligs, Germany 815,334

Apr. 1 l, 1969 June 28, 1971 Telesco Bropbey Limited Montreal, Quebec, Canada Apr. 13, 1968, Apr. 13, 1968, May 10, 1968 Germany P 17 57 242.8, P 17 57 243.9, and

Filed Patented Assignee Priority ce nsro mu eums mum 12 chin-5,10 0min; Figs.

Us. cl m. m

Field oi smell .1: 135/20, 25, 26,33 (c) [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,686,323 10/1928 Der Hyde '135/33C 1,697,763 1/1929 Hall l35/33C FORElGN PATENTS 565,063 4/1968 Germany 135/33c 577,005 5/1968 Germany l35/33C Primary Examiner- Peter M. Caun Anomey Alan Swabey ABSTRACT: A sheath or case for a foldable-flat, telescopic umbrella to form a flat, rectangular package in which the sheath includes cooperating means on the umbrella handle and case comprising magnetically attractive elements, snap fasteners or a clip element; the sheath including a closure strap cooperating with a zipper, or the sheath including various strap or clip arrangements extending from one or both upper edges of the umbrella sheath and overlying the substantially rectangular handle, and/or the sheath including means whereby it can be stored and/or carried in a folded-over condition to occupy a minimum of space.

PATENTEU JUNZBIQTI 3 587,500

sum 1 0F 3 2 Fritz BREMSHEY Heinz SEITEL INVEN'I'ORS PATENTED JUN28 197:

SHEET 2 BF 3 Fritz BREMSHEY Heinz SEIT EL 1 N VENTORS BY gawk/4,

PATENTEU JUN28 x971 SHEET 3 OF 3 FIG. 6

Friiz BREMSHEY Heinz SEITEL mvamorw CASE FOR ELESCOPIC UMB E BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of Invention This invention relates generally to collapsible umbrellas and more particularly to telescopically collapsible umbrellas in which the umbrella has a configuration particularly adapted to produce a substantially flat, rectangular package.

2. Description of Prior Art One type of prior art sheath or case comprises a zipperclosed tube in which a cordlike element on the inner periphery of the sheath engages in a cooperating circumferential groove in an umbrella handle having a circular cross section, and whereby the umbrella, when packaged in its sheath, can be carried suspended from a looplike handle extending through the umbrella handle. This type of sheath, although practical for umbrellas having a circular cross-sectioned handle, is generally not adaptable for umbrellas forming a flat, rectangular package and in which the handle is generally rectangular.

Primary objects of the present invention are to provide a novel sheath or case for foldable-flat umbrellas in which the handle and sheath have cooperating fastening means facilitating retention of the umbrella in its sheath; to provide a novel sheath or case for foldable-flat umbrellas in which the sheath can be readily stored when not in use; to provide a novel sheath or case for foIdable-flat umbrellas in which a substantially rectangular sheath has cooperating fastening means on the umbrella handle and sheath comprising magnetic and/or mechanical means; to provide a novel rectangular sheath for a foldable-flat umbrella in which novel closure straps are provided; to provide novel means for retaining a sheath or case in a folded stored condition, which means cooperates with parts for retaining an umbrella in the case, to form a rectangular package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These together with other objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the following description when taken in conjunction with the drawings forming a part thereof, in which:

FIG. I is a perspective view of an umbrella sheath, in an open" condition showing a snap fastener assembly having cooperating parts on the sheath and umbrella handle;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view, similar to the upper portion of FIG. I, showing a magnetic assembly having cooperating parts on the umbrella sheath and handle;

FIG. 3 is a view showing the upper portion of another umbrella sheath and handle, in a closed condition in which the sheath and umbrella handle respectively include cooperating clip and detent portions;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another umbrella sheath and umbrella in a closed condition, showing a closure strap by phantom lines, and illustrating how the strap cooperates with a zipper assembly integral with the sheath;

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are fragmentary, perspective views of an upper portion of an umbrella sheath in a closed" condition, showing further embodiments of sheaths;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an umbrella sheath, similar to that of FIG. 5, showing modified foldable side panels in the sheath, and showing a supplemental closure element cooperating with a portion of the primary closure assembly to retain the sheath in a folded, compact condition after the umbrella is removed.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and first considering FIG. I, a sheath or case having a generally rectangular cross section is indicated at A and comprises relatively narrow, rectangular edge walls I suitably secured to relatively wider sidewalls 2', the latter being ofa greater length than edge walls I and thus including free-flap portions 2' at their upper ends as well as forming lateral edge openings 3. A collapsible and telescopic umbrella is telescopically received in the sheath A and includes a generally rectangular handle 4 (when viewed in plan). The rectangular shape of the handle will aid in produc- 2 ing the generally flat, rectangular package, and the umbrella cap, not shown and disposed within sheath A, aids to form the other end of the completed package. The walls I and 2 can be produced from any suitable materiaL and are preferably of a material which is slightly stiff.

The handle 4 includes a portion 8 accommodating the umbrella shaft (not shown) therein, and when collapsed and folded, the dome-ribs of the umbrella will lie adjacent the portion 8; the ends 5 of these dome-ribs being received in inwardly-opening compartment 6 and 7 flanking the portion 8.

Terminally retained in any suitable manner, and extending transversely, and lengthwise above the upper surface 4' of the handle is a carrying loop 9 Formed in one side of the handle 4 and opening laterally is a recess or bore 10 comprising the female portion of a snap-fastener assembly which includes a male element 11 suitably secured adjacent the upper edge ofa corresponding fiap 2'.

When the male fastener is engaged in opening 10, neither the handle stick nor umbrella per se can be withdrawn from the sheath A, and onthe other hand the umbrella package, i.e., sheath and umbrella, in the convenient, flap package can be conveniently carried by loop 9 when not stored in a purse, shopping bag, etc.

In FIG. 2, the sheath and umbrella are essentially the same as that previously described, and similar parts are identified by similar reference numerals. In this embodiment, the sheath B includes instead of the male fastener a magnetically attractive element 13, i.e., a permanent magnet for example, suitably secured to flap 2'. The female bore of FIG. 1 is replaced by a ferrous (magnetically attractive) element 12 and thus the parts 12 and 13 comprise a magnetically attractive, detachable fastening assembly. The parts 12 and 13 can be reversed, i.e., the magnet 13 could be embedded in the handle, and the metal plate '12 could be secured to the flap 2.

In FIG. 3, the sheath or case C is substantially the same as that previously described, and the umbrella and handle 4 are likewise similar to the previously described structure. The handle 4 has formed in the upper surface 4' an elongated slot or recess 15 disposed between the terminal ends of loop 9. Suitably secured to one flap 2 of the case is a hook or latch element (slightly resilient), which projects inwardly over the edge of the flap to which it is secured, and has a rounded or roller transverse edge 14' which is resiliently urged into the slot 15 of the handle 4. Although not shown, the elements I4 can be secured on both flaps 2', and in this situation the elements I4 would be offset from each other and accordingly extend from opposite directions onto the handle surface 4'.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, the sheaths or cases D, E, F and G, respectively, are'substantially the same as those previously described and the umbrella to be packaged is essentially the same; the handle thereof is designated at 4. The handle 4 includes an upper surface 4', end surfaces 4", and side surfaces 4". The handle 4 tapers slightly from its inner base, i.e., from the ends 5 of the dome-ribs, toward the end surface 4.

It will be noted that the sheaths D-G have longer or higher edge walls 1 than the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3 and accordingly substantially only the end surfaces 4" of the handle will be exposed when the sheath is closed. The flaps 2" of the sheath are accordingly shorter than flaps shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The upper edge of the edge walls I of the case together with the undersurface of the handle 4 provide lateral openings 3 which facilitate carrying of the umbrella package in the event a loop-type handle 25 is not provided.

The backwall 2,, of the sheath D has suitably secured thereto a slide fastener assembly I8 having an apertured operator element I7 to which is anchored one end of a closure-strap 16; the other end of the strap 16 having a male fastener element 19 secured thereto. The nearer or front wall 2, ofthe sheath has secured thereto a female element (similar to previously described bore I0 on handle 4 of FIG. I) and thus the strap 16 can be detachably engaged transversely of the handle 4 in FIG. 4 (as shown by solid lines) or detachably engaged, as shown by phantom lines. I I

It will be observed in FIG. 4 that the strap 16 provides a handle to facilitate operation of the slide fastener element or operator l4, and thus the umbrella sheath opens widely to permit rapid insertion of a collapsed and telescoped umbrella therein.

In FIG. 5, the case E has extending from the upper edge 20 of the backwall flap portion 2,,', a relatively wide flap or strap 16' which includes a detachable snap assembly including a male part 19. Although snap fastener assemblies are shown with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5, as well as in FIG. 6, the detachable magnetic assembly of FIG. 2 could be substituted for these embodiments.

In FIG. 6, integral or suitably secured to the upper edges of sidewall flaps 2", are relatively shorter tabs or straps 16" which extend toward each other and which have overlying terminal ends respectively including one part of a detachable fastener assembly including the upper male part 19. As previously mentioned, the magnetic assembly of FIG. 2 could be utilized in the embodiment of FIG. 6.

The embodiment of FIG. 7 is similar to that of FIG. 3, it being noted that a resilient generally L-shaped element 23 is suitably secured at the terminal end to edge 24 ofthe rear case wall. The element 23 will extend transversely over an intermediate portion of the handle surface 4 and includes a depending, rounded tab or end portion 23 resiliently engaging and gripping the outer surface of flap 2" adjacent its upper edge.

As previously mentioned, all of the handles of FIGS. 4 to 7 include a carrying loop 25 beneath which the strap or tab l6, 16', 16'' are passed.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, still another embodiment of umbrella case or sheath is indicated and this embodiment is of the general character of the sheaths DG of FIGS. 4 to 7. The sheath H includes relatively wide sides 20 and 2b, a bottom 26, and foldable edge walls 1'. The edge Walls 1', it will be noted, are medially divided into two elongated segments at a medial fold line 31 which extends the length of the walls 1' and continues the width of the bottom wall 26.

The fold line 31, permits the case H to be folded flat whereby the walls 20 and 2b will be juxtaposed when the umbrella has been removed, and providing a small folded item when carried in ones purse, pocket, etc., for example. The umbrella packaged in sheath H will be telescopic and foldableflat to form a rectangular package as in the previously described embodiments, and the handle 4 includes an integral carrying loop 30.

The case H includes an integral closure strap 27 anchored at one end to the upper edge of wall 2a, and including a female portion 28 of a snap fastener assembly, the male portion 29 being suitably secured adjacent the-upper edge of the forward wall 2b. Suitably secured to the wall 2a, adjacent the bottom 26 of the case, is a second or supplemental male fastener 32 which will detachably engage the fastener 28 on strap 27 when the case H is folded about a transverse, medial fold line x-x to provide the appearance shown at margin 33 of FIG. 9. The accordion -or bellowslike folding of the edge walls 1', coupled with the medial folding at axis x-x, provide an extremely compact package when the umbrella has been removed from the case H.

Briefly, there has been disclosed within the objects of the invention, various embodiments of sheaths or cases for producing a rectangular package utilizing snap fasteners, magnetic closure assemblies, closure straps with snap fasteners, straps with zipper" closures, and clip elements, as well as a sheath or case having accordion-fold edge walls to provide an extremely compact storage package after the umbrella has been removed.

We claim:

1. An umbrella and sheath package comprising:

a foldable-flat umbrella, and including a substantially rectangular handle for aiding to define and shape a flat rectangular package; and

a tubular sheath having a generally rectangular cross section and in which said collapsed umbrella is removably received, and the handle substantially fills the upper end thereof;

said sheath including relatively narrow, opposed edge walls connected to mutually parallel, opposed wider sidewalls,

said sidewalls having free upper edge portions respectively engageable at opposed sides of the rectangular umbrella handle and leaving the ends of the handle exposed;

said handle and sheath including cooperating portion comprising detachable connecting means for releasably retaining the umbrella in the sheath and facilitating carrying and transport of the same.

2. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said handle includes a flexible loop element forming a handle, said loop element being terminally secured at opposite ends to respective opposite ends ofsaid handle. I

3. The structure as claimed in claim 3 in which said edge walls comprise two elongated segments hingedly connected on a medial fold line and foldable into juxtaposed, overlying relation.

4. The structure as claimed in claim 3 in which said sheath is foldable to substantially half-length about a transverse axis, and a supplemental fastener element on one sidewall of the sheath adjacent a lower portion thereof whereby the supplemental fastener is detachably connectable to said detachable connecting means when the umbrella is removed from the sheath and the sheath isfolded half its normal length for storage.

5. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said detachable connecting means comprises an assembly in which at least one element is on said handle and the other element is on one of the free flap portions of said sheath.

6. The structure as claimed in claim 5 in which at least one of said elements is magnetic, and the other of said elements is magnetically attractive.

7. The structure as claimed in claim 5 in which said elements comprise detachably connectable male and female portion, at least one of said elements being integral with a side portion of said handle.

8. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said sheath includes a clip element integral at one end with an upper edge portion of said sheath and projecting inwardly therefrom, said handle having an upper surface portion detachably engaged by said clip element.

9. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said sheath includes on one sidewall an elongated, separable slide fastener assembly extending longitudinally therealong, through the free flap portion thereof, and opening into the upper edge of the said one sidewall, an operator element for opening and closing the separable slide fastener, a closure strap connected at one end to said operator element and including a fastener element thereon, said other free flap portion including a cooperating fastener element detachably connectable to the fastener element on said closure strap whereby the closure strap can be used as a handle to close the separable slide fastener and can be disposed transversely over the top of the umbrella handle to retain the umbrella in the sheath.

]0. The structure as claimed in claim I in which said detachable connecting means comprises a flexible closure strap terminally secured at one end to the upper edge of one free flap portion of one sidewall, the closure strap being extendable in overlying transverse relation to the handle and including a fastener element detachably connectable to a cooperating element on the other sidewall of said sheath.

11. The structure as claimed in claim I in which a tab element is terminally secured to the upper edge of each of the free flap portions and said tab elements overlap each other above said handle, said tab elements each include a cooperating fastener element detachably engageable for retaining the umbrella in the sheath.

12. The structure as claimed in claim I in which said detachable connecting means comprises an L-shaped clip eleversely over the umbrella handle and including a depending leg embracing the outer surface of the other free flap portion. 

